France's highest award for 'Rose'

'Rose' was arrested in Paris in 1944

A 99-year-old member of the French Resistance has been awarded the Legion D'Honneur for her bravery.

During World War II, Andree Peel, now of Long Ashton, Bristol, helped Allied pilots escape occupied Europe.

She was presented with France's highest award by her brother, General Maurice Virot, at a ceremony in the French Embassy in London.

Mrs Peel served under the code name Rose, passing information back to Allied forces about the Germans.

Following her arrest in Paris in 1944 she was deported to a concentration camp in Germany and later transferred to Buchenwald before her eventual release.

Mrs Peel has already received awards for her wartime heroism, including the King's Commendation for Brave Conduct and the American Medal of Freedom.

French Embassy spokesman Frederic Paruta said: "This is further recognition of her heroic behaviour during the Second World War in the French Resistance which was put to use by Allied forces."